ABSTRACT
In a way, Pop Idol extends the historical continuum of talent shows. However, global cultural production – the new technology and the fact that the music industry is nowadays more and more integrated within the wider entertainment industry – establishes a special framework for this music format. Recent developments in television culture have been especially important. First, so-called ‘reality TV’ has established structures used by the format. Second, Pop Idol is, in many cases, broadcast through national, commercial TV channels having a multinational ownership or through cross-border channels which break the national boundaries.2 Thus, media transnationalism is the key concept when debating the significance of the format.
